So The next JunKroom event is coming soon – on the 10th September to be precise, and at the usual place, Urbanguild on Kiyamachi dori in Kyoto.

We have a  great line up for the evening:

Lorenzo Senni – the man behind Presto!? Records will be visiting us from Italy- A description of his latest release “Dunno” describes his music as “…vintage experimentalism of the computer music pioneers and the new digital brutality of fat, acid glissandos and shepard tones in rave style. Using a large palette of computer synthesized sounds and a sophisticated musical awareness he creates ten tracks of beautiful artificial energies and abstract pleasure.”

Also appearing is Ieva (Samuel Andre) a musician and award winning film soundtrack composer who also works on computer interface design. His live performances use multi-layered field recordings that are improvised with creating quite mysterious imaginary aural worlds.

Naked Mozart are the Kyoto based duo of Donald the Nut – proto nerd rocker from San Francisco’s Three Day Stubble and classical violinist Chiko Choko. Expect the rebellious spirit of Mozart, sinister vocal acrobatics and potty humor. Unforgettable!

Miimo are an amazing Post Dub electro beat trio from Tokyo. Featuring Ska and Reggae specialist Tatsu on Bass, Norihide Saji on drums and Yoshio Machida on Steel pans – which truly gives them a unique sound. Expect a high energy set that evokes the sounds of heavy Dub reggae, NY Punk, drum and Bass and Afrobeat.

ra_ka are a duo from Osaka comprised of Toru Koda who performs on Electric Soprano Bass and Guitar and Kanade Amano who performs on Harp and Vocals. Their music is also processed and layered creating lush ethereal soundscapes.

Sseeaann Rrooee will be DJing and perhaps will perform if there’s time…???!!!

Check the blog for details in Japanese!

Starts: 7.00pm
Ends: 1.00am
Advance tickets /students: 1500 yen
On the door: 1800 (includes 1 drink)

To find Urbanguild, from Sanjo Dori go down Kiyamachi Dori (this is the narrow street running alongside Takase stream) Urbanguild is on the east side (left hand side as you walk down from Sanjo) after approximately 150 metres. It’s on the 3rd floor of New Kyoto Building – access by elevator or stairs. Here is a map.

Thanks Sean!

Here is taiko player Takahito Nishino – this builds up into something very special and super intense!!

A song by Mio Matsuda accompanied by Yasutaka Yorozu (bass), Takahito Nishino (taiko), Kaoru Watanabe (flute), ryotaro (accordion), and Tamango (dance).

Our old friends Mitsu Salmon and ryotaro do their thing with a little help from Kaoru Watanabe.

Dance from Tamango with the other Resonance cast members. This guy was amazing and later on treated us to a display of shoeless tap-dancing (yes! no shoes! but unfortunately I didn’t get that on video…).

Here are some pictures. Click on them for a closer look.

Sept. 8th (Wednesday) – Living Arts vol.3

Participants: Kazuhisa Uchihashi, Antoine Berthiaume, 毛利桂, AMALSのSKCAJ.
Opens: 18:30 / Starts: 19:30
Tickets in advance: 1500 yen + 1drink / on the door. 2000 yen + 1drink
Location: UrBANGUILD

Sept. 10th (Friday) – JunKroom Vol 16

Participants: Lorenzo Senni (Italy), Miimo (Tokyo), ieva (France), Naked Mozart (USA/Japan), rac_ka (Japan), DJ Sseeaann Rrooee (UK).
Starts: 7.00pm Ends: 1.00am
Tickets in advance/Students: 1500 yen On the door: 1800 yen (includes 1 drink)
Location: Urbanguild

More details from Sean about this event later!

Sept. 17th (Friday) – Damo Suzuki’s Network

Participants: The legendary undergound avant-garde rock vocalist ダモ鈴木, UKON (Bass from SOFT), SHIMIZ (Guitar from SOFT), PON2 (Drums from SOFT), 宮島哉行 (Violin）, ryotaro (Accordion), 家口成樹 (Piano/Synthesizer), + DJ’s ナカムラ・イタル (OUTPUT) & Sseeaann Rrooee.
Time: ２０:00 – ２６:00
Tickets in advance: 2500yen+1drink/On the door: 3000yen+1drink
Location: Urbanguild

Headbanger`s Death Night… First Anniversary

Info: “Headbanger`s Death Night is a metal event held in Kyoto.. It is an all night event with live shows and some metal dj`s who are ready to blow out your brains with extreme music …. It was created to bring back the metal scene in memorial city of Kyoto! With your help we can create a big metal scene… Join us and let the metalheads take over this town!! STAY METAL!! ” LINK

Bands: CROWNED IN RUIN (and more!)
Dj`s: Metal Queen, H metal TZ (and more!), guest Dj`s: Hummer (MORTAL COMBAT), TOYO METAL (METAL NIGHT).
Time: 20:00 – 03:00
Tickets in advance: 2000円 with 1 drink, Facebook members 2000円with 1 drink (say “facebook” at the door), On the door: 2500円 with 1drink.
Location: Sparkle!

More details on this event from Akemy Saldana later!

Urbanguild and Sparkle are both on Kiyamachi. Here are most convenient maps: Urbanguild map, Sparkle map.

For other events in the Kansai area check out Japanzine’s guide for September and for Kyoto Club events this site is invaluable: WATTSUAPPU.

Maiko

I started to shoot pictures of Maiko because, as any foreigner, I was attracted by this mysterious cliché we have of Japan. But the more I learned about Maiko, the more I learned about Kyoto and Japanese culture – because they know and promote so many aspects of that culture. The picture above is of Maiko Mamemaru going to Yasaka Jinja for Miyabikai, the ceremony where the Maiko from Gion-kobu pray to improve their practise of the arts. It’s a wonderful event where the Maiko are dressed in yukata without oshiroi (white make-up). I was waiting for the Maiko at the stairs of Yasaka to shoot some portraits. But they walked so quickly to avoid the crowd of photographers that it was difficult. However, I was glad to shoot this timeless picture of a Maiko carrying a red umbrella going through the red gate of Yasaka.

Cosplay

Are we in Japan? Yes, this is a cosplay costume player. Cosplay events regularly take place at Kyoto Manga Museum. I go there once in a while to shoot some portraits and though I have no particular knowledge about Manga, I am always impressed at how cosplayers do their best to reproduce the characters to the single detail, in both appearance and gesture. This is great fun in a nice atmosphere. Cosplayers are always friendly, enthusiastic, creative and they love taking pictures. For this portrait, I set the focus on her “blue eyes” with a 2.8 aperture to obtain this nice lighting.

Hosen-In Temple

Kyoto is full of treasures and attractions, and for anyone who likes taking pictures it is a constant inspiration. Temples and Zen gardens are so photogenic. Hosen-in Temple is one of them. Well, I could spend the whole day there, it is so beautiful, relaxing and refreshing. This temple is located in Ohara in the Northen part of Kyoto, a few minutes walk from Ohara’s main attraction: Sanzen-in Temple. I took this picture on a Saturday in July. It was almost empty so I could take tons of pictures of this inspiring and magnificent view. I used a 28mm lense and set a large aperture to obtain this blurred effect on the garden which looks like a painting. (Ed. Click on the image above to obtain a bigger picture)

Imamiya Jinja Matsuri

There is always an interesting event going on in Kyoto. Matsuri (festivals) are part of them. There are several famous ones such as Gion Matsuri or Aoi Matsuri but I also enjoy “local” festivals; those of a city district or smaller temple. These are always very photogenic events. People of all ages from the same neighborhood gather and are involved in the preparation. It is a nice way to meet the neighbors, to promote culture and to transmit it to the younger generation. I wish we had something similar where I grew up in Paris. The picture above is from Imamiya Jinja Matsuri. I attended the preparation in the morning and watched these children who obviously would have preferred to do something else than to wait in the heat with such heavy clothes. But once the procession started, everyone was so enthusiastic. I like this picture because it shows so many things; people behaving as if it was normal to walk dressed in such costume in the middle of the traffic, modern and traditional Japan, proud parents following their children, photogenic umbrellas…

Crossing Kamogawa

Kyoto’s good fortune is to be an “ancient capital”. It could preserve a rich cultural heritage yet remain a human-sized-city which makes it not only interesting but also a very nice place in which to live. There are so many parks and green spaces where you can walk, cycle or relax. And it is so relaxing to walk along the Kamogawa, Kyoto’s main river. This is a view from a bridge up to the Northern part of Kyoto. You feel like you are in the countryside although this is quite central. People and especially kids can cross the river walking on stones…

Frederic Devos

Frédéric Devos is French, passionate about Japan and about photography. He came to photography by traveling around the globe mainly to Europe, Asia and Latin America. He focuses on people, street life and portraits. He came to Japan in 98 for the first time, became fascinated by the unique atmosphere of Kyoto and always wanted to spend more time here. In 2006, his dream came true when he moved to Japan for a job opportunity and settled in Kyoto. Since then, he has been exploring Kyoto cultural treasures and mainly shooting with a Canon 50mm lens, designed for portraits.
You can view some of his best shots on his blog: Kyoto Images.

Previously featured photographers:
John Einarsen
Stewart Wachs
Ken Rodgers

First Ted Taylor sent me a link to this event and then I get this message from Mitsu Salmon:

This Saturday I am doing an event with a pretty awesome cast and if you have a chance could you spread the word? The former flutist of the group of Kodo is organizing and performing in this event as well as a tap dancer from New York.

Here’s the clincher though:

If people are interested they can email me their names and get a 1000 discount.

That’s it folks! Email Mitsu at footfootyourmom@gmail.com (or contact her on facebook) and get a 1000 yen discount on one of the biggest events in Kyoto this year! Alternatively contact organizer Daniel Rosen (email: yakimonos@earthlink.net) for the same bargain 2000 yen deal! Check out the list of artists here and tell me you aren’t tempted!

And while I was writing that (!) Daniel Rosen has written to tell me:

This show is an amazing mix of East and West performed by some really astounding talent that appeals to both Japanese and foreign audiences. Last year we brought down the house at UrBANGUILD, really!

Sounds good, eh? Here are some details:

Two shows! Friday 9/3 and Saturday 9/4
open … 19:00
start … 20:00
price … adv.3000円 / door 3500円 (plus drink)
place ... (the legendary) Urbanguild.
And don’t forget! 1000円 off the door price if you contact Mitsu or organizer Daniel Rosen (yakimonos@earthlink.net) in advance!

To find Urbanguild, from Sanjo Dori go down Kiyamachi Dori (this is the narrow street running alongside Takase stream) Urbanguild is on the east side (left hand side as you walk down from Sanjo) after approximately 150 metres. It’s on the 3rd floor of New Kyoto Building – access by elevator or stairs. Here is a map.

Isn't it nice to see the young people having fun?

Club World is an underground sound chamber replete with stone arches (it used to be an Italian restaurant you know) and an awesome light system that  holds at capacity about 700 people. This intimate atmosphere, the top-level djs and the music (electronica, house, hip-hop, reggae) pulls in a young crowd and at the weekends it’s thumping. Check the schedule for upcoming events. We ended up, rather randomly, at a regular “Sprung” party event. This was around the time of the Gion Matsuri so the dance floor was full of young girls jumping around in their summer yukata…

For the first hour or so, Mewby and I sat in a corner people-watching and analysing different nampa techniques, but after a couple of Long Island Iced Teas we were about ready to hit the dance floor. Mewby being yet young and full of verve, enjoyed herself thoroughly jumping about like a wild thing. I did what I normally do wherever I go and took a lot of pics.

Despite my misgivings Mewby and I had a great night at Club World (many thanks Mr. Gatewood!) and if I was a bit younger and single, I would undoubtedly be there every weekend. But don’t tell Mewby I said that.

Club World is situated on the west side of Kiyamachi a short walk north of Shijo. Here on their splendid website is a most convenient map.

Kyoto Kitayama Traditional Forestry ‘Honjikomi’ Event
Nakagawa, Kitayama
September 4, 2010 (Sat) 10:00 – 11:45 am and 2:00 – 3:50 pm
1000 yen (optional charter bus from Kyoto Station additional 1000 yen)

…Every year Nakagen Forestry Co. puts on this event for people to learn about the 600 year history and culture of Kitayama’s traditional forestry industry.

Kitayama are the north mountains of Kyoto. Here the best cedar for traditional Japanese architecture is carefully and meticulously grown.

Kitayama Sugi (cedar) is used for traditional Japanese teahouse and tearoom construction and the tokonoma alcove’s main column is usually Kitayama cedar. Kitayama Sugi is raised and processed based on the aesthetic ideals of tea master Sen-no-rikyu.

This is the traditional tokonoma alcove. The kitayama sugi is the most prized pole for this important space in the traditional Japanese room.

Kitayama’s traditional forestry created beautiful wood and is ecologically friendly. Japan can boast an unsurpassed wood culture in the world.

This pattern naturally forms on the cedar trees. It is actually a genetic mutation and each grower has their own signature mutations, some several centuries old. To continue this mutation, seedlings are cloned from branches rather than grown from seeds.

The traditional harvesting techniques call ‘honjikomi’ (本仕込み) are only extant with one 5 man team of Kyoto lumberjacks. This team will be the main event.

This is the traditional way of harvesting the cedar trees. The trees are partially cut and stripped of bark while still vertical and allowed to dry for several days like this. There is only one crew of 5 lumberjacks that still does this traditional method of harvesting.

I participated in the event last year and it was really great. We went up to the mountain and got to observe and talk with the lumberjacks as they worked. Then, back at Nakagen we got to try our hand at polishing the logs with sand. We also got a tour of the Nakagen warehouse, they have some incredibly beautiful wood including one log that the emperor complimented when he visited.

Me getting a lesson on polishing from an old hand.

The weather should be cool up at Nakagawa, contact me if you would like to go.

Check out more of my photos here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=196951&id=850054480

UPDATE! More details on bus times:

Charter Bus (1000 yen round trip)

morning session:
9:00am JR Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Bus Pool
9:15am JR Nijo Station West Exit

afternoon session:
12:50pm JR Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Bus Pool
1:05pm JR Nijo Station West Exit

Thanks Michael!

(All pictures courtesy of Michael B.)

We ordered a couple of starters to begin with. I cannot eat Indian food without eating samosas and these did not disappoint.

This Fish Tikka (made with Sea Bass) though, was really delicious.

I followed this up with a sweet tasting Shitafal, Sharma’s very own original pumpkin curry.

The Kaju Nan (with cashew nuts) accompanied it nicely.

Mewby went for a Mugal Chicken. Curiously she reported that it tasted very much like the pumpkin curry above… It kind of looks like it too, eh?

After that feast we went home and had a bit of a lie down. To sum up, after only one visit it’s hard to judge, but the food seems nice (the fish tikka being a highlight) and the staff most courteous and professional. We shall definitely be giving Sharma another try.

Sharma sits on the north side of Sanjo between Kiyamachi and Kawaramachi. Here is a handy map.

Opening hours: 11：00～15：00 & 17：00～23：00 (Last orders at 22：00）
Closed: Wednesdays.
Tel: 075-231-3677

Two other classic Japanese movies will also be shown at later dates. Here’s the good word from KPIC:

In coordination with the Japan Foundation, three outstanding examples of Japanese cinema are being made available to the foreign community. These films, with English subtitles, are not available through every-day rental stores here in Japan, so this is a rare opportunity. Rashomon is being shown in recognition of the 100th anniversary of its director, Akira Kurosawa’s, birthday (1910 – 1998).

The Movies:

Rashomon, September 11 (Saturday afternoon);
Synopsis: This masterpiece by Kurosawa is based on two stories by Akutagawa Ryūnosuke. In 12th century Japan, a travelling samurai and his wife are kidnapped by the notorious bandit Tajomaru. Rape and murder follow. After Tajomaru is captured and put on trial, four different witnesses give four radically different accounts of what occured in the forest.

The Munekata Sisters (directed by Ozu Yasujiro), Friday October 8.
Synopsis: Setsuko is married to the alcoholic and unemployed Mimura. Secretly she has always loved Hiroshi but they both failed to declare their love before Hiroshi left for France several years before. Now he has returned and Setsuko’s sister Mariko, despite her own feelings for Hiroshi, tries to reunite them.

The Twin Sisters of Kyoto (directed by Noboru Nakamura), Friday November 26.
Synopsis: Based on the novel The Old Capital by Nobel prize winner Yasunari Kawabata, this is the story of the adopted daughter of a Kyoto merchant who discovers she has a twin. They were separated at birth and now live in radically different social spheres

All of these movies have a Kyoto connection. To help put them into a historical and cultural context they will be preceded by a short introduction and followed by a group discussion.

Location: Kyoto Station, 9th Floor, Kyoto Prefecture International Center. Click here for access information.

Time: Starting at 1:30 p.m., there will be an introduction of background information, followed by the film showing, and then an open discussion, finishing at about 5:00 p.m.

The event is free but you need to sign up in advance. You can sign up by by fax (075-342-5050), e-mail(cinema@kpic.or.jp), or phone (075-342-5000) or (wonders!) on the internet by simply clicking here!

It looks like this (only smaller):

I’m pleased to announce that Tadg Mc Loughlin has agreed to become Deep Kyoto’s first official sponsor! Fond as I am of good food and tasty beverages, I don’t think I could have found a better partner. Tadg’s Irish bar and restaurant has a phenomenal selection of craft beers on tap (just check out the list on his site! go on click it!), and a fantastic menu. As I don’t eat meat myself, I’m particularly keen on the vegan selection. Take a look at Tadg’s legendary vegan pizza :

Mediterranean veggies, cheeseless pizza with organic Ise Miso

I ate that you know – and it was gorgeous! I ate this Tuscan bean and vegetable stew too (not at the same time though – that would be silly).

Tadg & Mika

Look at those colours! That’s not just food you know, it’s a beautiful piece of art. It’s poetry – in a bowl.

So there you have it; Tadg’s has great food, great beers, beautiful views over the Kamo river and super friendly staff and (I might be courting controversy here but), it’s also the only real Irish bar in town (in the sense of you know, actually having someone Irish in the place). That’s why I’m more than happy to have Tadg as my sponsor – I’m delighted!
To find Tadg’s walk straight up Kiyamachi from Sanjo, before you get to Oike you should see the Empire building on your right. Tadg’s is on the 8th floor. Click here for a most convenient map.